(Mar 2) : US equity-index futures opened lower and crude oil jumped as the escalating war in the Middle East jolted global markets. Shares in Australia also opened lower as traders shifted away from risk. Brent crude oil surged 13% to $82 a barrel at the open. The US dollar surged and the Swiss franc edged higher against major peers in early trading, while the Australian dollar led risk-sensitive currencies lower. Australian and New Zealand government bonds rallied when their respective markets opened.

Source: The Edge Markets March 01, 2026 23:39 UTC